Chad and I have begun a kind of informal survey if you will. We want to know about other parents' journeys. Will you share your wisdom with us?
1. What is your greatest strength in parenting? What are you really good at?
2. What has been your greatest victory so far?
3. What is something you want to change about how you parent?
4. How are you (or have you) instilling(ed) faith in your children?
5. What is the best advice you have ever gotten regarding parenting?
6. What is the worst advice you have ever gotten regarding parenting?
7. What do you pray for your children?
8. What mistakes have you made that you wish you could "undo"?
If you have other things to share that have helped you on your journey or that you wish you had known, feel free to add them in here.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Fed Up
I have had enough.
Here is the whole truth…this male dominated society and church that we live in is sinful. It denies the reality that women are also made in the image of God to further His kingdom.
But, a female dominated society and church would be wrong as well.
Genesis tells us that God created them male and female, in His image. He walked with both of them in the cool of the day. He created them for one another, not in competition with one another.
Humans tend to let pendulums swing from one extreme to another. When we’ve had enough of one thing we push too far the other way. For instance, when the women’s movement gained fuel in the 1960’s and 70’s, it took on a military stance of strength and a harsh, borderline violent edge. Man bashing became an acceptable sport.
I am not created to be a spineless, brainless follower.
I am also not created to be a power devouring fool.
I am created to reflect the image of my Creator.
The Jesus of the New Testament, the Son of God, came to redeem a fallen world back into relationship with His Father. He came for the whole world, not just the white males. Today’s church is Jesus to the world we occupy. So, what is this Jesus telling my daughters?
Here is the whole truth…this male dominated society and church that we live in is sinful. It denies the reality that women are also made in the image of God to further His kingdom.
But, a female dominated society and church would be wrong as well.
Genesis tells us that God created them male and female, in His image. He walked with both of them in the cool of the day. He created them for one another, not in competition with one another.
Humans tend to let pendulums swing from one extreme to another. When we’ve had enough of one thing we push too far the other way. For instance, when the women’s movement gained fuel in the 1960’s and 70’s, it took on a military stance of strength and a harsh, borderline violent edge. Man bashing became an acceptable sport.
I am not created to be a spineless, brainless follower.
I am also not created to be a power devouring fool.
I am created to reflect the image of my Creator.
The Jesus of the New Testament, the Son of God, came to redeem a fallen world back into relationship with His Father. He came for the whole world, not just the white males. Today’s church is Jesus to the world we occupy. So, what is this Jesus telling my daughters?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Lent
Having grown up in the churches of Christ, I didn't know anything about Lent. My hometown was dominantly Mormon so I never witnessed the practice of Ash Wednesday.
My first full time job was in a bookstore located in Houston. The store was owned by an Episcopalian woman who was a devout follower of Jesus. She came in to work one Wednesday morning in late February and said that she would be leaving at 10am for church. That was odd to me because she had never left during the work day for church before. Then when she came back, her forehead was dirty. I am so grateful for a store full of customers that kept me from inquiring about the dirty forehead before I saw a calendar and put it all together!
Since that first, almost terrible, blunder with the season of Lent, I have become fascinated by the traditions of Lent.
This year, I really wrestled with what to give up for Lent. As I wondered and Ash Wednesday was upon me, an article from Ruth Haley Barton's Transforming Center arrived. Here is a short excerpt from the article:
Unfortunately, the practice of entering into the Lenten season has often been reduced to the question: "What are you giving up for Lent?" This is a fine question, but it can only take us so far. The real question of the Lenten season is: How will I find ways to return to God with all my heart? This begs an even deeper question: Where in my life have I gotten away from God and what are the disciplines that will enable me to find my way back?
That is the real question that had plagued my heart. While it would be better for my weight if I gave up chocolate and better for my work if I gave up Facebook, what would call me more fully to God? That is the question that I am still pondering and invite you to ask as well.
Where in your life have you gotten away from God and what disciplines will enable you to find your way back?
That will take at least until Easter morning to answer completely.
My first full time job was in a bookstore located in Houston. The store was owned by an Episcopalian woman who was a devout follower of Jesus. She came in to work one Wednesday morning in late February and said that she would be leaving at 10am for church. That was odd to me because she had never left during the work day for church before. Then when she came back, her forehead was dirty. I am so grateful for a store full of customers that kept me from inquiring about the dirty forehead before I saw a calendar and put it all together!
Since that first, almost terrible, blunder with the season of Lent, I have become fascinated by the traditions of Lent.
This year, I really wrestled with what to give up for Lent. As I wondered and Ash Wednesday was upon me, an article from Ruth Haley Barton's Transforming Center arrived. Here is a short excerpt from the article:
Unfortunately, the practice of entering into the Lenten season has often been reduced to the question: "What are you giving up for Lent?" This is a fine question, but it can only take us so far. The real question of the Lenten season is: How will I find ways to return to God with all my heart? This begs an even deeper question: Where in my life have I gotten away from God and what are the disciplines that will enable me to find my way back?
That is the real question that had plagued my heart. While it would be better for my weight if I gave up chocolate and better for my work if I gave up Facebook, what would call me more fully to God? That is the question that I am still pondering and invite you to ask as well.
Where in your life have you gotten away from God and what disciplines will enable you to find your way back?
That will take at least until Easter morning to answer completely.
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